Social

[This series intends to introduce you to each of the legitimate Chicago Cubs GM candidates, and give you a quick, clean rundown of the most important information to know about that candidate as the Cubs’ search process continues. I bet none of us thought there would be another one of these after the Cubs landed on Theo Epstein, at least not without a bunch of cursing and ruing another Cubs disaster. Previously: Brian Cashman, Theo Epstein, Andrew Friedman, Billy Beane, Ned Colletti.]

Name and Age: Jed Hoyer, 37.

Current Role and Contract Status: San Diego Padres’ General Manager since October 2009. His current salary is unknown, and he’s signed through 2013 with an option for 2014.

Record in Current Role: The Padres had a surprisingly competitive 2010 season before fading in September. The 2011 season was a full-on rebuild operation, with Adrian Gonzalez having been dealt (by Hoyer) during the offseason. There’s not a great deal to be gleaned about Hoyer from his short time at the head of the Padres other than he got a decent return for Gonzalez despite everyone knowing Gonzalez was going to leave in free agency a year later, picked up Cameron Maybin on the cheap, and got a great return for Mike Adams at this year’s trade deadline.

Notable Prior Experience: Before taking over in San Diego, Hoyer was a long-time assistant (well, as long-time as a guy who’s only now 37 can be) in Boston under Theo Epstein. Hoyer reached the level of Senior Vice President and Assistant General Manager, and even was co-GM with Ben Cherington for 44 days when Epstein took a hiatus in late 2005/early 2006. Hoyer interviewed for a handful of open GM gigs, including Pittsburgh and Washington, before getting the San Diego job. He was also a baseball coach at his alma mater, Wesleyan, for a brief time after graduating from college.

Reason(s) for Including as Candidate: Hoyer worked for years with Epstein in Boston, and is thus not only well-versed in the Boston approach, but also knows how to work well with Epstein. He’s a young GM presiding over a development-focused organization, and would have been near the top of early candidate lists had anyone thought it was remotely possible he’d actually leave San Diego. Oh, and there’s that whole sources-are-saying-it’s-a-done-deal thing.

Pros/Hype: Hoyer is a young, smart, sabermetrically-inclined, development-focused GM with a tremendous amount of high-level experience at such a young age. More importantly, he’s the guy Theo Epstein wants as his GM, which is about as “pro” as it gets in my book.

Cons/Cynical Criticism: If he’s cut from too similar of a cloth as Epstein, might they not reinforce each other’s weak spots? He’s also only been the GM in San Diego for a couple years. That’s it. That’s all I can come up with.

Desirability: High. Again: if it had been known that Hoyer was open to coming to Cubs – and this is in a world where we assume Epstein never level Boston – he would have been in my top five candidates. To oversimplify, he’s Ben Cherington, but with much more GM experience. There’s a reason Cherington was a high-up-there candidate, and there’s a reason to be excited about Hoyer.

Likelihood/Probable Outcome: High, apparently. Rumors, which only started a few days ago, have reached a fever pitch, to the point that multiple reports say Hoyer *is* going to be named the Cubs’ next GM. From there, Epstein and Hoyer will begin the process of greatly expanding the Cubs’ front office – historically one of the smallest in baseball (sigh) – bringing in bright minds from across the game. You can’t overstate the importance of the Cubs adding these two men, who will never hold a bat or pick up a ball. Philosophically, they align with where Cubs Chairman and Owner Tom Ricketts sees the Cubs’ organization going over the next decade. Namely, an organization heavily invested in scouting and development, building heavily with home-grown talent, and augmenting where necessary through free agency. Hoyer helps move the Cubs along this path, and it’s worth being excited – like, even more excited than you already were. Oh, and we’ll all have to promise not to make fun of his name.

Brett, “If he’s cut from too similar of a cloth as Epstein, might they not reinforce each other’s weak spots? “, good insight there, something to watch going forward.

BD

Personally, I would have had him 3rd on my list behind Epstein and Friedman. If I would have even considered him at that point. But to get 2 out of the top 3 picks BOTH coming to Chicago is the greatest Cubs’ move since, well… ever.

P.S. I hate the city of St. Louis and their Cardinals.

Lou

Especially hate the home field advantage St Louis is getting courtesy of the All-Star game, with win provided by HR of Prince Fielder.

Jason

Well, at least the best move since signing Tinker, Evers and Chance.

http://www.michigangoat.blogspot.com MichiganGoat

I keep looking at the relationship of Nolan Ryan, Jon Daniels, and Ron Washington in Texas as a model for what the Cubs could be like in a couple of years. A strong organization with a owner that is willing to spend and leadership that shares a common vision. This is a winning combination once they get the right manager in place.

Theo will set the vision, Jed will get the players to match that vision, Ricketts will give the money and resources necessary to fund that vision, and the manager will ensure that vision is happening on the field. Sounds like a winner to me.

Lou

That seems to be the appropriate analogy. Good call.

http://www.bleachernation.com Brett

And that’s why we’ve all got to be OK with the idea that Sandberg might not be the manager.

http://www.michigangoat.blogspot.com MichiganGoat

Absolutely agreed, Theo and Jed (doen’t that sound like a Beverly Hillbillys Cast? Maybe some photoshop magic is needed…) need to have a manager that works well with them, shares their vision and beliefs, and can execute a winning team with the product provided. I’m sure the manager will have ties to either of them.

I’ve always wondered if the reason Sandberg was not given the job (or even considered for it) was because Ricketts and ultimately Hendry knew major changes were in the works and that Sandberg would not be part of that future.

Kansas Cubs Fan

Do you think Sandberg could come in as bench coach?

http://www.michigangoat.blogspot.com MichiganGoat

I really doubt unless Theo and Jed decide to go with a near to retirement manager and Ryno is promised the job in two years, but if that is the plan why not hire him as manager now. Also consider the pressure any manager would have if Ryno was his bench coach, one three game losing streak and this and every other message board would blow up with “Give Ryno the Job” fandom. He is either the manager or he isn’t.

http://www.bleachernation.com Brett

I would love that, but I doubt it – the manager would constantly be forced to look over his shoulder by the media (and some fans).

Jason

Alfonso Soriano, Player Manager

Just think of the possibilities…

MrCub73

I agree with your assessment. I don’t see Sandberg being the new manager, since Sandberg is not one of Theo’s guys. Hiring Sandberg seems like it would be more of a PR move. I can’t imagine Theo as a guy who is coming to Chicago to just make a PR splash by hiring Sandberg.

http://cubbiescrib.com Luke

Actually, Sandberg might be a Theo guy. He interviewed for the Triple A job in Boston, or so I’ve read, but decided to take the Phillies job instead.

Also, some were reporting that Byrnes would have hired Sandberg has he gotten the Cubs GM job, and Byrnes is definitely a Theo guy.

Sandberg is no shoo-in, but I don’t think he’s out of the question. If the Cubs go for a full blown rebuilding process, I could see Epstein giving Sandberg a multiyear contract with a buy out. If Sandberg doesn’t pan out while the talent is being assembled, then Theo could replace him when the Cubs are ready to seriously compete.

Kansas Cubs Fan

What other managerial(spelling?) options are out there?

http://www.bleachernation.com Brett

Too many to guess, really – bunch of well-respected coaches who’ve not gotten a shot as a manager yet (that’s my guess as to what type of guy the Cubs will get).

MrCub73

I hope you are right, who really knows the players coming up through the Cubs system better than the guy who managed them. If they are giving someone with no experience the job, I hope it is Sandberg.

Dave

I think he should. Quite a few are promoted from that position. Kirk Gibson did that. That Miami manager did that. What is so bad with that. Maybe Brenley comes in for a year or two from the booth to manage.

Mike S

Are we allowed to get jacked yet that we’re getting Epstein AND Hoyer???? I have all this bottled up excitement just waiting to explode!

http://www.bleachernation.com Brett

The Official Squeal post is in the queue, waiting for an announcement of the press conference, or just a little more confirmation.

http://www.michigangoat.blogspot.com MichiganGoat

Benny Hill still playing

Dave

Every time I read “squeal” on here it makes me think of Deliverance. Either this all needs to be over with or Brett needs to find a new, less creepy word.

http://www.michigangoat.blogspot.com MichiganGoat

During all this I remember multiple people on this site swearing that Ricketts would never allow anyone to become President because Ricketts was a control freak.

I think we can all now admit that Ricketts does not need to be in total charge, there is no way Theo would come here if he had to answer to another LarryLou

jstraw

I don’t remember that because I don’t read everything posted but I do recall ME pointing out what Ricketts has actually said about this. I have never said a word that addresses what motivated his statements that cumulatively amount to a statement that he had no plan to have a layer of management between himself and his GM. I certainly never suggested that it’s because he’s a “control freak.” I also never said he wouldn’t do it. I said I’d believe it when I see it. That’s still the case.

CubSouth

MG, you look at this bundling of minds and high talent at their positions like the Rangers organization. I look at it as a clone from the Braves, with the Rangers owner being more willing to spend. I don’t believe I can recall being this excited about front office people on any team I follow……ever!

http://www.michigangoat.blogspot.com MichiganGoat

Not in philosphy but in the way the Rangers have a strong connected vision and personnel that operate to fullfill that vision. I doubt the Cubs will model Ranger philosphy, but I like how cohesive the Rangers organization has grown into and is today and the Cubs are heading in that direction.

BD

If the Cubs do anything that is even remotely similar to the Rangers org., and it leads to back-to-back World Series appearances… I’m all for it!

http://www.frenchrocks.net Ian Afterbirth

If they don’t hurry up I’m gonna Bieber all over myself.

http://www.michigangoat.blogspot.com MichiganGoat

Bieber away Carrie Muskat and Kaplan are both reporting the deal is not as close as previously reported, Boston is holding something up… again

JulioZuleta

Let’s burn down Fenway

Fishin Phil

I’ve had it with those chowdah heads in Boston.

Bring in Hoyer as GM. Wait a year for Theo. Tell Red Sawks Nation to jam their compensation up their @ss.

Cubbies4Life

No mas, Ian! I just peed a little…

Brandon Howes

Come on Brett……The Official Squeal post is in the queue, waiting for an announcement of the press conference, or just a little more confirmation.

You need permission on your own blog? We follow this blog because we DONT WANT TO WAIT for the i’ to be dotted and T’s to be crossed.

Spill it!

http://www.bleachernation.com Brett

Ha. I’m just trying to be prudent. Other folks jumped the gun a bit this morning, but I wanted to make sure I saved my squeals for when the press conference is announced, or some comparable confirmation. Still waiting on that.

Fishin Phil

“I’m just trying to be prudent. ”

Can you do that again, this time with a Georg Bush accent?

http://www.bleachernation.com Brett

I’m jus’ tryin’ ta be purdoint.

Brandon Howes

Sissy…

OK….can you tell….I am fired up too. I just want to move on with my life….I find myself refreshing my screen just to see if something has changed. UGGH…..I need therapy.

http://www.bleachernation.com Brett

If you need therapy, you better schedule your appointment early – because there are thousands of us who need it, too.

We need to just go ahead and bring Hoyer over and make him GM that way Boston can see that we can wait till next year if that’s what it takes and that holding things up is only going to make things look bad on them, especially if they wind up getting nothing for Theo. Honestly I wish Bud Selig would just get involved and force Boston to take a fair deal and stop mucking up Theo’s promotion. It’s in the “best interest of baseball” after all lol in my definition anyway.

CubSouth

With all the blessings the Cubs may receive over the next few days, a friend of mine said ” don’t worry, the goat will come back”. So I replied ” Nah, the goat was bbq’d and eaten at the going away party for Hendry”. Viva la Cubs!!!

Montelle

Vinestal,
Honestly – I understand exactly what you’re saying and in any other case, I’d be inclined to agree. In fact, I do agree. Please, nobody think that I’m willing to sell the farm and give up all that Boston wishes…but I just want the deal done (WITHIN REASON) and leave us walking away with Theo THIS SEASON. As a lifelong cub fan(tho not that old!), one thing I cannot stand to think, hear, or fathom any longer is “Wait till next year!”

http://TheoWaiting Cheryl

When this becomes official does that mean cookies are retired?

http://www.bleachernation.com Brett

I think we’re already trying to retire that.

hansman1982

you see the key is to make sure to butter the aluminum bat properly so that the cookie mix doesnt stick and it doesnt pick up too much of a butter taste when you roll the batter…

I typically use 1/2 stick per 10″ of length

http://TheoWaiting Cheryl

Good.Then, we’ll see what reactions we have over the next month to changes.

http://Bleachernation Ramy16

Brett and fellas, I say if Boston wants Trey Mcnutt they can have him! I believe that Dillion Maples will be a way better pitcher with more upside than Mcnutt… So if Boston wants him so be it!!!

JulioZuleta

A rotation has 5 guys…

http://cubbiescrib.com Luke

Dillon Maples will have to relearn his mechanics before he gets anywhere close to the majors. I think he will be in the same category as Cashner and McNutt, but that’s no sure thing quite yet.

Seth Majewski

David Kapman reporting
@thekapman Thanks for the confirmation. RT @GordonEdes: It’s done, according to source: Hoyer to join Theo as GM of Cubs, Byrnes new GM in SD.

Hawkeye

Agreed, though McNutt is alot closer to playing in Chicago that Maples and with our SP needs, we may need somebody that can play this year should there be an injury.

http://Bleachernation Ramy16

Carrie muskatt… I can’t stand her incomplete stories…Brett you’ve always been the better resource!!…Hawkeye I understand… I think that’s what Boston wants… If thats what it takes to get Theo let’s get it done!

http://Bleachernation Ramy16

You guys all know that Aramis is my favorite player… Should he get 3/30 mill??

TWC

Most definitely.

But from anyone other than the Cubs.

http://www.michigangoat.blogspot.com MichiganGoat

I see Miami in his future

http://cubbiescrib.com Luke

He should probably get more than 3 years / $30 million to be honest. But I hope he gets it in the AL where he can start to transition into a DH role. Texas might be a good fit for him, or Anaheim.

Miami is certainly likely, but only if they can’t land a bigger name like Pujols. Their budget won’t go up that quickly.

Jason

I see him in a Detroit uniform next year. They need a 3B because Inge just can’t hit enough to play there

http://www.michigangoat.blogspot.com MichiganGoat

If he goes AL it will be as a DH, Inge is a good defensive 3B and had a resurgence after he was brought back up. Detroit doesn’t need another old player with below quality defense.

Jason

Maybe he won’t – I was just looking at teams that are in win now mode but that could use some offense at 3B and they were the one team that I immediately thought about. With VMart and Avila, signing Aramis to DH doesn’t make a lot of sense. Aramis is worse defensively than Inge, but his offense more than compensates for that.

Just speculation obviously, but it seems like a move that could make sense. Guillen’s contract is done and Ordonez’s contract is done so they have salary available as well.

http://www.michigangoat.blogspot.com MichiganGoat

All the talk I hear in Michigan is a desire to infuse some youth and speed in the lineup, if they are going to sign big Reyes/Rollins might be more likely

Jason

That would make sense – I’m pretty sure you know more about Michigan sports teams than I, since, well, you live there.

Like I said, it was just a thought.

Jeff

I’ve been against ARam re-signing for a long time, but I think with the new regime, and a new manager, his attitude could turn around next year, and he could be a positive influence. I think if he comes back to Chicago, it would be later in the post season. I also think that could eliminate the Cubs from consideration. Ramirez is going to be pretty sought after, and I think he’ll probably get a pretty big offer from some team with need for a power corner infield bat, probably right after Pujols and Fielder sign.

die hard

isnt anyone else concerned that Theo, Hoyer et al are so anxious to leave current teams with unfinished business?…would rather have someone come here right after at least winning pennant….anyone else feel same way?

I’ll take unfinished business with a guy who have won 2 championships any day. Bostons winning has all steamed from one thing, their farm system and what it gives them in the way of home grown talent and talent to trade for guys like adrian. All of those things can be drawn right back to guys like Theo and Hoyer

http://cubbiescrib.com Luke

By that argument, the Cubs should only consider the GMs of St. Louis and Texas, since they are the only two who have just won the pennant. I don’t buy it.

Theo has nothing left to prove in Boston. He one once, he won twice, and he built a system that should keep them winning for awhile after he is gone. He was never going to be promoted in that town, so why shouldn’t he look for a promotion somewhere else? If I get offered a promotion at a different company, should that company expect me to win Employee of the Year before I accept the promotion and change companies? That just doesn’t sound reasonable to me.

As for Hoyer, why should I be worried that he wants to come to a team that gives him the resources necessary to build a dynasty? Its the same argument that we thought might lure in Friedman (without just winning a pennant I might add). GMs like to move from poor teams to rich teams. With the competitive balance the way it is in baseball, I don’t see that changing any time soon.

Hawkeye

Luke, are you implying that the only way a season could be considered a success is if you win the WS? I feel bad for you, as the Cubs won’t be successful by that measure for at least a few years. For being a Cubs fan, that is setting the bar pretty high?

http://cubbiescrib.com Luke

Absolutely not.

I’m disagreeing with Die Hard… which I’ll admit is probably feeding a troll.

Making the playoffs counts as a successful season for any baseball team, or it should. The demands of winning over 162 vs winning in the playoffs are so different that a team that is good at one may not be good at the other. The playoffs are inherently unpredictable.

And for some teams, a good year doesn’t have to include the playoffs. I think the Pirates had a great year… for the Pirates. They laid a solid foundation, generated some fan excitement, and set the stage for future success. That’s progress, and in Pittsburgh, that’s success. Cleveland is another team that missed the playoffs but I think had a successful year.

Personally, I primarily follow the minors. With a championship in Daytona, a runner up in Tennessee, and significant strides in player development all over the system, I’ll count it a successful season no matter what standards you care to name.

Hawkeye

Appreciate you clearing that up. We already have one crazy person posting here, wasn’t sure we could handle another.

DWahl71

Hey Brett, Any chance we will be getting a “Meet The Coaching Candidates Cheat Sheet” once Theo and Hoyer are in place? or do you think they already have their minds made up about who the next manager will be?

http://www.bleachernation.com Brett

I want to do it, but you point out the first problem (I’m sure they’ve already got it narrowed down to a primary choice), and I’d add the second problem: unlike with this kind of executive search, the possible managerial candidate list could be enormous and full of unknowns.

DWahl71

Another idea to bounce off you Brett, if you are the cubs do you go after big fish free agents this year or do you wait 2-4 years till you have a young core in place and then sign a free agent to put you over the edge. My worry is that we go out and spend big on a guy this offseason and then we are average next year and then 3 years from now when we have that young core that free agent will be aged and not nearly as useful

http://www.bleachernation.com Brett

The latter plan, and I suspect that’s where the new front office will land, too.

JulioZuleta

You have to start looking for smart long-term investments now with the hopes that in 2 years you’ll be a competitive team. You can’t put together a team’s worth of free agents in just one or two off seasons. That said, no more 8 year contracts to 30+ year old players.

Hawkeye

I love how we are all assuming Quade is out. He is of course, but just funny that it is a forgone conclusion.

Brett, maybe you could work on a “Meet the Pitching Coaches” write up. It is obvious that TR and Theo are thinking way ahead of the rest of us, but they can’t have a pitching coach lined up yet….can they?

johnbres2

only negative I see (and it is a problem I love the Cubs to have) is that Theo and Jed could get into internal power struggle, each seeing himself as the man. Who is really going to be in charge? It will take high level diplomacy skills for Theo to keep a GM under him happy and feeling empowered.

Kansas Cubs Fan

I was thinking the same thing!

http://www.michigangoat.blogspot.com MichiganGoat

Again I give you Texas as a model of how a shared vision can be effective, Theo will be the visionary and Jed will find players to field that vision.

Jeff

So who had Jed Hoyer in the GM pool?

die hard

agree with johnbres2…sentiments exactly…too many roosters….will Ricketts be able to referee?…turning over the keys to a billion dollar operation like this is a sign of desperation…or maybe thats his hedge fund management style to get 2 or 3 underlings to compete for his favor…. if so what a power trip!!!..not confidence inspiring in my judgement.

http://Cubs4234 Paul

I also love this site, nicely done Brett !! While we wait, why is the time on this website from the wrong time zone!! Lets get it to Central Time, thats were Cub fans hang out.

http://www.bleachernation.com Brett

Thanks, Paul.

http://cubbiescrib.com Luke

Talk on Twitter is that the Cubs are getting a coach out of San Diego in addition to Hoyer and MacLeod. Any idea who that might be? The Cubs could use a pitching coach, but both the Padres pitching and bullpen coaches have been there forever.

Maybe first base coach Dave Roberts?

http://www.bleachernation.com Brett

I’m trying to think of which type of coach a group of executives would think is important. Pitching coach, perhaps?

http://www.michigangoat.blogspot.com MichiganGoat

Don’t know who SD has but they have had a success in the pitching department, but it is a pitchers park

http://cubbiescrib.com Luke

That was my first thought, but their pitching coach has been there since 2004, and the bullpen coach since 2001. If they’ve stayed in SoCal that long, I have a hard time imaging them deciding to relocate to the Windy City to follow a guy who just joined the front office in 2009.

It would be nice, though.

And of course, the rumor was on Twitter. There is no grain of salt small enough…

Bud Black would be a nice additional. Why not shoot high, the Cubs have been all October.

Robbo

After the announcement tomorrow will there be a ‘Meet the Manager candidates cheat sheet’ series? Other than the obvious Ryno and Tito associations I haven’t heard much chatter about other options. Care to speculate?

“I want to do it, but you point out the first problem (I’m sure they’ve already got it narrowed down to a primary choice), and I’d add the second problem: unlike with this kind of executive search, the possible managerial candidate list could be enormous and full of unknowns.”

So the gist is: maybe. I just don’t even know whom to speculate quite yet.

Raymond Robert Koenig

The first “new” manager might get fired if the Cubs have a (as many people expect) bad 2012.

TWC

Toosh?!?!?! What happened? Back to Ray-Bob, your off-season non de plume?

Sweetjamesjones

So there really is an add on this site for getting your “2011 St Louis Cardinals World Series” gear.

I laughed, then got quiet, and just sighed.

http://www.bleachernation.com Brett

I don’t control those – they rotate heavily based on where a user is located, what’s going on, what’s being discussed, etc.

So I pretty much now assume that you love the Cardinals.

Sweetjamesjones

“NOOOOOOOOO!!”

I live in Middle Tennessee, surely I wouldnt be getting anything Cardinals related. Braves related maybe.

Throw up.

There is only one Cardinal fan that I really like, and its only because he is dead.

Interesting on The Twitters

Beautiful BN Apparel

BN on Video

Post Categories

Site Archives

Get In Touch

Search

Disclaimer

In addition to news, Bleacher Nation publishes both rumor and opinion, as well as information reported by other sources. Information on Bleacher Nation may contain errors or inaccuracies, though we try to avoid them. Links to content and the quotation of material from other news sources are not the responsibility of Bleacher Nation. Photos used either are the property of Bleacher Nation, are used with permission, are fair use, or are believed to be in the public domain. Legitimate requests to remove copyrighted photos not in the public domain will be honored promptly. Comments by third parties are neither sponsored or endorsed by Bleacher Nation.

Bleacher Nation Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Bleacher Nation is a private media site, and it is not affiliated in any way with Major League Baseball or the Chicago Cubs. Neither MLB nor the Chicago Cubs have endorsed, supported, directed, or participated in the creation of the content at this site, or in the creation of the site itself. It's just a media site that happens to cover the Chicago Cubs.

Bleacher Nation is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.